|  Description: The medical terms used to describe a bunion are Hallux Valgus
and Hallux Abducto Valgus. A bunion is a complex deformity that
results in:
- A bump that develops on the inner side of the foot, in the
area where the big toe and the bone it connects to (called
the first
metatarsal) meet.
- The turning inward of the big toe, so that it presses against
the second toe (the big toe is no longer straight).
- Bunions are a progressive deformity, and if left untreated
the bump will become larger, and the big toe will eventually
lie
over or under the second toe.
Bunions may be caused by:
- Wearing high heel and pointed toe shoes. These types of shoes
apply abnormal pressure to the big toe and force it over
toward the second toe; they also irritate the first metatarsal
head
causing a bump to form (when bone is irritated it enlarges).
- An injury to the inner side of the foot or big toe may damage
the first metatarsalphalangeal joint, and speed up bunion formation.
- Arthritis of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint may cause
the joint to become enlarged, and a bunion may then form.
Some neurological diseases cause contractures of the joints
of the feet and toes, helping bunions to form. There are several
treatment methods.
Please call for an evaluation
at our Gaithersburg, Md office.
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